October 11, 1929 – September 23, 2026
Donald “Doc” Ronsiek, age 96, of Arnolds Park, Iowa, formerly of LeMars, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Lakes Regional Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milford, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Military Funeral Honors will be rendered in Calvary Cemetery in Milford, Iowa, honoring Doc’s service to his country.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com.
Life & Legacy
Doc was born on October 11, 1929, in Craig, Iowa, the son of Fred and Emma (Hauschild) Ronsiek. Raised in northwest Iowa, he developed a strong work ethic early in life. When his nation called during the Korean War, Doc answered with honor, stepping up to serve overseas in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home to build a life centered on family and community.
On July 8, 1959, Doc was united in marriage to the love of his life, Norma Roeder, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen, Iowa. Together, they shared 67 wonderful years of marriage, establishing deep roots, raising their children, and creating a lifetime of cherished memories.
For 36 years, Doc was a familiar and beloved face across the region while working for Wells Blue Bunny in LeMars, delivering ice cream to businesses throughout northwest Iowa. His warm smile, dependability, and easygoing nature made him far more than a route driver—he was a trusted friend to everyone along his path. Doc was also a proud, lifetime member of the American Legion Post 241 in LeMars.
In his retirement years, Doc settled in the Iowa Great Lakes area, where he kept the grounds at Bridges Bay Resort in Okoboji in immaculate condition. He possessed a true servant’s heart, always keeping a watchful eye out for anyone who might need an extra hand or a friendly conversation.
Doc was, above all, a devoted family man and a passionate fan of Iowa Hawkeye athletics. He could almost always be seen proudly wearing apparel featuring the college logos of his grandchildren’s college sports teams, cheering them on with boundless pride. His family will forever treasure memories of weekend trips to Gerks Resort in Okoboji. Despite never learning how to swim himself, Doc spent endless, joyful hours at the helm of the boat, patiently pulling his kids and their friends on water skis across the lake. His humor, kindness, and unwavering support made him a cherished friend to everyone he met.
Family
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Norma Ronsiek of Arnolds Park, Iowa, who will forever cherish his memory and carry on his legacy. He is also remembered by his children: Jeff Ronsiek of Okoboji, Iowa; Randy Ronsiek and his wife, Mary Beth, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Kristi Bair and her husband, Brent, of Prior Lake, Minnesota. His legacy continues through his grandchildren—Luke, Emma, Hannah, Connor, and Kayla—each of whom brought immense joy to his life.
Doc was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Emma Ronsiek, and his brother, Norman Ronsiek.
Memorials may be made in Don’s name and directed to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
